Performers received a standing ovation at the conclusion of their 2022 event.

Let’s Do It Again!

YOUTH FOR YOUTH HOLIDAY CONCERT

By Joan S. Peck

Sometimes, when an event is a success, it is worth repeating. And, other times, when an event exceeds your wildest dreams, it must be repeated. This year, the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert will be held at the Clark High School theatre on December 3^rd at 4 p.m. Listening to the music these young people perform will soothe your soul by understanding they are playing so others can benefit from their efforts. Isn’t that what the holidays and Christmas are all about?

How did this get birthed? During the isolation of the pandemic in 2021, Roxy Jones, at the age of 14, formed her first “Youth Christmas Concert,” thinking it would be a “fun and engaging” thing to do with her friends. Over 100 people showed up at their first performance at her Grandmother’s ranch in Utah. Since that was such a success, Roxy and her friends decided to do another Youth Christmas Concert in 2022 with loftier goals. “My goal was to raise $3,000 for the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth [“NPHY”].” Did they meet that goal? Roxy and her friends met that goal and surpassed it, bringing in nearly $20,000!

Asked why Roxy initially thought about doing the concert, she says, “Coming out of Covid, many musicians were deprived of the ability to perform for nearly three years. As I had performed frequently before the quarantine, I was eager to return to the stage and organized a concert with my friends. Two years later, the same concert has become a tradition, and we began raising money to help a worthy and underrepresented cause in our community – homeless youth.”

How were the nearly $20,000 proceeds spent in 2022? It funded two programs at NPHY:

1. Christmas Morning Brunch and Movie. Several NPHY program youth enjoyed a day out on Christmas day, including a fancy brunch, and were treated to the movies, popcorn, and all.
2. Dream gifts. Before the holiday, NPHY youth can apply for a “dream gift,” which is an item that can help them achieve their goals. These gifts vary greatly based on the needs of those requesting them. They may include a hair dryer, a phone, or a Chromebook computer. They cannot request items such as a video gaming system or other things that are not helpful for their future.

The 2022 concert funded the Christmas brunch and 30+ dream gifts for needy youth.

This year, Roxy’s younger sister, Skai, is joining her to head this special event and plans to continue the tradition after next year when Roxy is a Senior.

What can we expect from this December 3^rd holiday treat? “This concert will include several instrumental and voice pieces, including holiday favorites and classical music for everyone to enjoy.”

Who are these talented performers? Roxy Jones, Savannah Downey, Jared Downey, Skai Jones, Jun Hong, Charles Hong, Hope Olsen, Alexander Varkov, and Brooke Forbush. Some will play individually, and some will play in duets. The instruments represented are the piano, violin, cello, flute, and oboe.

What is the goal for the 2023 Youth Holiday Concert? $30,000. To date, private donors and sponsors have raised several thousand dollars, including Las Vegas Design Center, TuffSkin, Infinite Trend, Soderstrom Construction, and Kilauea Pest Control. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor may contact Roxy’s dad, Nate Jones, at 808-557-9339.

Tickets are $10 for General Admission and $30 for VIP Section (includes a special treat provided by Roxy and her family.)

Unsold tickets will be available for purchase at the door if any remain at the time of the concert.

For tickets, please order online here.